Conservative and faith-based leaders from around Texas gathered in Austin Tuesday as part of Texas Faith and Family Day. Organized by Texas Values, the event also featured speakers from Concerned Women of America- Texas, Texas Eagle Forum, Women Wellness Coalition of Texas, Texas Pastor Council, and Texas Right to Life.

The morning began with an information session that featured speakers from the organizations as well as a speech by Governor Greg Abbott and other state legislators. Speakers addressed the marriage fight that is currently making its way through the judicial system as well as the so-called “Equal Rights Ordinances [EROs].” Originating in Houston, the EROs would, among other things, make it legal for members of the opposite sex to enter the other’s restroom.

In Houston, opposition was swiftly organized only to be met with indignation by the city. The petition to send the ordinance to a referendum was rejected, squelching those opposed. The city then sought to subpoena the pastors and faith leaders who organized the petition, demanding to know the content of their sermons and running roughshod over their Constitutional rights.

The resulting overwhelming outrage was enough to force the City of Houston to back down, but much of the ordinance remained in place. Even worse, it metastasized to other cities, with San Antonio and Plano passing similar measures. Citizens in Plano also ran a petition to repeal the ordinance that has been dismissed on a technicality.

“This is an assault we see year after year after year,” said Governor Abbott in his remarks, further stating that when the will of the people is being ignored, “we must respond with typical Texas tenacity.”

Following the speaker session, attendees rallied at the Capitol with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick before being dispatched to address their elected officials on pro-life issues, religious liberty, school choice, and traditional marriage.

Cary Cheshire

Cary Cheshire is the executive director of Texans for Strong Borders, a no-compromise non-profit dedicated to restoring security and sovereignty to the citizens of the Lone Star State. For more information visit StrongBorders.org.

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